Album Review: Tate McRae - 'i used to think i could fly'
Tate McRae is navigating her way through fallout, breakups and everything complicated in between with her debut album 'i used to think i could fly'.
Singer, songwriter, and dancer. Is there anything that Tate McRae can't do? Releasing her now #1 multiplatinum, heartbreak single "you broke me first" at just sixteen years old, it's no surprise that McRae is taking over the world with her honest and striking lyricism. With more hit singles and numerous awards nominations, McRae is ready for a sensational year with the highly anticipated release of her debut album 'i used to think i could fly'. Navigating through fallouts, breakups and everything complicated in between, she gives us the soundtrack to live and heal with this summer.
The unapologetic and head-bopping track 'don't come back', kicks off the album. Catchy acoustic guitar and electric beats produce a smooth flow as McRae's voice glides over effortlessly. Tired of people giving up and leaving, McRae tells them not to beg for a second chance. Bringing the track to a close with just the acoustic guitar line, she leaves them regretting their decision to walk away.
'i'm so gone' and 'what would you do' follow, bursting with teenage angst and brutal truths like what we've heard from Pop-rock stars, Avril Lavigne and Olivia Rodrigo. Slowing down the pace but carrying the same intensity, 'chaotic' deals with the growing pains McRae is experiencing as she finds herself hurtling towards the future. Revealing her anxieties about changes, she accepts its inevitability but not before admitting that mistakes will be made as she's only human.
Stop dead. 'hate myself' deserves your undivided attention as this piano ballad will have you weeping by the end of the first verse. Self-sabotage plays a part in this track, as McRae blames herself for the downfall of a relationship. Finding herself accountable, McRae painfully sings, 'you couldn't hate me more than I hate myself', with low drums under her words like punches. With the fun of being young and independent a core part of McRae's music, she shows her maturity in 'hate myself'.
Calling out a boy, emphasising this due to his immaturity, McRae begs him to treat his next lover with respect and abandon the tricks that make people fall in love with him in the stripped back and sorrowful track 'boy x'. Criticising him for his actions, a part of McRae stills has feelings for him as she sings, 'made her fall in love with only just a look in her eyes, when they wandered off to someone else's for the first time'.
The album closes its curtains with 'i will say goodnight'. Melancholic and delicate piano follow McRae as her alluring voice echoes, reaching every corner. As stated in the first line, she recognises signs that her lover is falling out of love with her, 'you stopped saying goodnight, that was the first sign of letting go'. Charming strings gracefully lift the track before falling as McRae admits to still saying goodnight, although their story has concluded.
With a balance of upbeat belters and heavy-hearted tracks, you'll find yourself bouncing around the room to 'she's all i wanna be', and crying to 'feel like shit' whilst browsing your ex's social media. Although she appears to be struggling with all the changes she's facing, Tate McRae has nothing to hide and invites listeners to break down and build themselves back up with her.
